NAIVASHA, August 2026 -With just a year to the August 2027 General Election, the country’s political landscape is shifting after Kenya Kwanza/UDA and ODM resolved to go into the contest together under one coalition and one shared agenda.
The decision was reached during a Broad-Based Parliamentary Group and Governors Retreat held in Naivasha, Nakuru County. The session was chaired by ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga and brought together 312 MPs, 48 senators, 24 governors and 24 deputy governors.
Addressing the media after the meeting, President William Ruto announced the formation of two taskforces. One will draft a joint manifesto, while the other will work on a formal coalition agreement ahead of 2027.
“We have agreed to set up a joint team of five members from each party to develop a common manifesto to present to Kenyans in 2027,” President Ruto said.
“We have also appointed another team of equal numbers to come up with the framework for the coalition agreement.”
Consequently, ODM has named Isaac Waniuge, Mariam Mbaruk, Leonida Kerubo and Prof. Benard Muok to the team. The party’s Executive Director will serve as an ex-officio member.
According to Dr Ruto, the decision cements the working relationship between the two formations.
“This formalizes the political partnership we have built. Its mandate is clear: to build on the gains made, complete ongoing reforms and offer Kenyans a united programme for the next phase of transformation,” he said.
“This is where our journey to August 2027 begins. We are not starting with empty slogans. We are accounting for the mandate given to us, admitting what is yet to be done, and preparing the plan we will take to the people for Kenya’s future.”
Dr Oburu described the agreement as a historic moment for the country.
“By moving past old political rivalries, this UDA-ODM partnership is laying a clear path toward full economic liberation — what we call the third wave of liberation, toward a Singapore-type reality,” the Siaya Senator said.
He noted that after securing political independence and constitutional rule, the goal now is to elevate Kenya into a first-world economy based on shared prosperity.
Dr Oburu said ODM was demonstrating patriotism by choosing not to front a presidential candidate in 2027.
“We will be fully behind President William Ruto for his second and final term under the Broad-Based 2025 MoU,” he stated.
“We have prioritized ending political wars. We have brought stability to the economy and the shilling.”
He expressed confidence that combining UDA’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda with ODM’s reform agenda would create “an 85% majority coalition that cannot be beaten.”
However, he warned that the alliance must stay focused: “We must take a firm stand against corruption and cartels robbing our children’s future. Against wastage of resources. Against reckless government spending. And against injustices by state institutions.”
“An elder cannot sit and watch his house burn. Power is not meant to be kept; it is meant to restore dignity to the common mwananchi.”
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the deal, saying the broad-based government remains on track to deliver BETA.
“This will place Kenya among top global economies. The economy has stabilized and is growing steadily. Stalled projects have resumed, and new ones in roads, markets and affordable housing are ongoing countrywide,” Murkomen said.
He added that reforms in health, education and agriculture were already improving livelihoods. On security, he said the government was tackling terrorism, banditry and gangs, and was pushing reforms to make police services more professional and people-centered.
“These leaders have put national interest above personal and political gain. They are committed to a united and prosperous Kenya,” Murkomen said.
